Trump’s China rivalry and “AI race” delusion may endanger US, experts say

The United States and China have initiated high-level discussions aimed at establishing a global framework for AI safety. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently proposed a notification mechanism that would allow both nations to share alerts regarding unpredictable AI behavior or potential threats. While the proposal aims to foster cooperation, experts remain skeptical about its viability given the current geopolitical climate. The US continues to impose strict export controls on AI-related hardware, and recent allegations by the Justice Department against Chinese AI firms have further strained relations. Critics argue that the administration's focus on an 'AI race' and its aggressive containment strategy may undermine the trust necessary for meaningful safety collaboration. As China remains silent on the specific proposal, the effectiveness of this diplomatic effort remains uncertain, with many questioning if the US can balance its competitive stance with the need for global AI governance.